A few weeks ago, I was at a bookstore with a friend. On a bottom shelf, I noticed a book about Pope Francis, “The Name of God is Mercy.” I pulled it out and opened it up. “Yes, I believe that this a time for mercy,” he says in the opening pages. “The…
By Paula Durham Christmas is full of meaningful traditions for me, but is also a time of change and newness. The Christmas stockings handmade by my Grandma for my brother and me, and the family Christmas tree ornaments were anchors through several ho…
By Jennifer Weyeneth Love is a gift of hope and safety. It is the link between the heavenly realm of abstract deity and practical earth. I found love in the northern cold winter solstice sky as the brilliant Christmas reds were reaching across the wh…
By Allison Adams I’ve been a planner all my life. Sometimes to the point where my family thinks I am going off the deep end. I love making lists and I’m the annoying person on vacations who likes to make an itinerary. I even made a packing list 3 mon…
By Kathy Bucciferro Every day is a gift, especially at this time of year! When we are in the midst of Christmas busyness, I try to see blessing in all situations. I am reminded daily that it is the little things that matter in life. My daughter Sela…
By Laura Scott It breaks my heart to know that in our community, in one of the richest nations on earth, there are kids who go to bed hungry with no winter coat or ill-fitting shoes. Among us are seniors who ask for a blanket and a stuffed animal for…
By Ralph Baechle Contemplating the “Wonders of God’s Love” is a challenge for me. My early images of God were more of one who demands things of me and not one who is also supportive. They have not been easy to shake. Growing up I remember hearing a…
By Ida Winckler I’m reminded of a time in my childhood in November of 1943. The war was going on and I was 5 years old. My older sister was 13, my younger sister just a baby. It was a clear and bitter cold night. Bomb sirens went off and we rushed to…
By Stella Herzig When we think about the ‘wonders of God’s love, I know I sometimes see those wonders as all coming in one direction from Him to me or to you. I wonder if they are not also the responsive swell of love in our hearts towards Him. Yes,…
My late husband, Glenn Dresselhaus, was truly a talented craftsman. His favorite medium was working with black walnut. He cut the walnut trees down and made boards suitable for crafts. His specialty was making items with his scroll saw – these items…
St. Paul Lutheran Church will offer its Blue Christmas worship on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m. This service of hope is designed for anyone in the community who may not feel like celebrating. During the holidays, grief, illness, aging, depression, lone…
By Jeff Bass One of my favorite activities in the summer has been to attend workcamps all across the country. These workcamps involve a lot of hard work and sweat, home repair, and hundreds of teenagers. These youth give up a week of their summer va…